Girls’ varsity water polo defeated Miramonte 12-6 on on October 8. The game was played at the Soda Aquatic center. Though both teams displayed impressive tactics, the Cougars led the entire game.
This was the first time the Cougars faced the Mats since Campolindo’s 13-7 victory in the semifinals of the Wood Creek tournament.
Freshman utility player Sophia Cavalli said, “since the beginning of the week we’ve been working on ways to improve against them, their key players, and what we need to do to slow them down.”
Campolindo head coach Kim Everist said, “There’s always increased stakes when you play a rival.”
“Nobody wants to lose to Miramonte. Definitely the stakes were higher,” senior utility player Kayla Nason agreed.
Nevertheless, Everist tried to downplay the matchup. “We don’t look at it as any more of an important game than anybody else that we play because every opportunity to play is important. But we’re 5 miles away and it’s a community of water polo. These girls all play club together. Also, playing at home is a really big deal,” she said.
Senior driver Rachel Lewin scored the first goal.
At the end of the 1st half, Campolindo led 7-2. Goalie Maddy Tagg shut out the Mats in the 2nd quarter.
According to Everist, Campolindo’s strength is its offense. “We are outscoring our opponents. I saw a crazy statistic in the paper that was 111 to 14,” she said.
Everist added that “team offense is something [they are] going to look to continue to build on throughout the season.”
Everist outlined a gameplan that included communication, emphasis on defense, and “attacking triangles and taking water where its given.”
“I’m really proud of my team; they’ve done a really great job this year. We have a great program. Our parents are incredibly supportive. Campolindo, the administration, the students are great supporters and we really appreciate it,” Everist said.
“So far the season’s been going really well: from a record standpoint we’re 8 and 2 and the team has been doing a good job achieving their objectives. I think we’re on the right course,” Eversit added.
Nason is optimistic about her team’s play. “The level of play is just as high as its always been so we were just waiting for them to play to our level. The season’s been awesome, everyone gets along fantastically well, we all love each other and we’re looking forward to what we have in store next,” she said.
